FA Cup: Is Bayindir setting up a competition with Onana or just personal growth?

Atlay Bayindir, after conceding four goals against Tottenham that sent Manchester United out of the EFL Cup in December, stepped up to become the hero at the Emirate stadium on Sunday for the Reds Devils. The Turkish goalkeeper saved two penalties, one during the game and Kai Havertz’s spot-kick during the shootout. He became the first Premier League goalkeeper in over 10 years to foil spot kicks in both regular time and a shootout in the same FA Cup match. 

The Manchester United second-choice goalkeeper has improved from his past mistakes against Spurs. 

This sent a strong wave of competition in Amorim’s goalkeeping department. Although Andre Onana remains the undisputable first-choice goalkeeper, Atlay is commanding huge respect with his third appearance of the season. 

At least United is playing in the FA Cup, so there is a way for Bayindir to get the necessary practice he will need to remain in top form. 

Atlay Bayindir was close to missing his chance to get playing time for the season. That would have happened if Martin Ordegaard scored the penalty kick, which was set up after Harry Maguire blocked Kai Havertz in the box. The spot-kick raised an eyebrow between the players, but Atlay’s save brightened United and extended his minutes in the competition. 

More also saved two crucial goal attempts from Declan Rice to keep 10-man Manchester United in the game. As important as the game was for United players, it was even more important for Bayindir, who would have ended up sitting on the bench the whole season if the Red Devils had been knocked out of the competition.

Bayindir looks like an upgraded De Gea

Meanwhile, this poise is a healthy competition for Onana and might help the Cameroonian goalkeeper step up in his skill. 

However, there were still plenty of shaky moments here for Bayindir—not just his tame attempt to punch away the cross that led to Gabriel’s goal but also his wayward, awkward kicking that repeatedly sent the ball into touch.

 In all, Bayindir looks like an upgraded David De Gea but is ready to develop under the Amorim system.